22 Aug 2025- A monumental £3 billion project is set to modernize one of Britain’s most critical water pipelines. The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) will secure the water supply for 2.5 million people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. United Utilities has awarded the contract to Cascade Infrastructure, a consortium led by construction giant Strabag, to design, build, finance, and maintain the upgraded system. This ambitious plan will see major construction kick off in 2026, launching a demanding nine-year build phase to replace key sections of the century-old aqueduct and ensure it is fit for the future.
High-Tech Tunnelling for a Greener Future
The project will employ state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), a major leap forward from the original hand-digging methods. This modern technology brings incredible efficiencies; for example, by allowing for longer tunnel lining rings, the project eliminates the need for an estimated 3,000 HGV deliveries, reducing local traffic and emissions. Ultimately, HARP represents a profound investment in the North West. Beyond securing a resilient water supply for decades, the programme will create hundreds of quality jobs and deliver lasting economic and social value to the entire region.
3 Jan 2025- Strabag–Equitix consortium has been selected by United Utilities (UU) as the preferred bidder for the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP). UU is responsible for the water services in northwest England.
The contract will see to the upgrading of a 110km water pipeline system. Strabag will take responsibility for the design and construction of the water aqueduct project with the contract award scheduled for the first half of 2025.
The 110km water tunnel snaking through Lancashire to Greater Manchester from Lake District was constructed in the 1950s. Once awarded, the contract to the Strabag-Equitix JV will see to the revamp of existing tunnel sections.
The CEO of Strabag, Klemens Haselsteiner, termed the project, “regionally important”, and was also not shy of stating that selection as the preferred bidder for the Haweswater Aqueduct project is quite vital in the “expansion plans for the UK division of Strabag”, and is a “further recognition of our (their) industry leading expertise.” Hugh Crossley, Equitix’s CEO also expressed delight in the selection and was optimistic of the project.
Strabag-Equitix contract
As aforementioned, the contract to Strabag-Equitix consortium covers the scopes of design, construction, and financing of the project. Also included in the contract will be the maintenance details of 6 tunnel sections. Also important to note is that official statement has it the Strabag will handle the design and construction of the project while the consortium will wholesomely handle the financing. The cost here is in the range of £2.5bn – £2.9bn.
The disparity in roles comes (simply) because Strabag UK is a notable global executioner of end-to-end capability services in the construction industry while Equitix is majorly financial with responsible international focus in investment, development, and asset management.
The consortium includes that the two form/ act as a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP). This means they will take responsibility for concession agreement with UU, allowing the latter to collaborate with other contractors for other works in the water aqueduct system.
Project factsheet
Project name: Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP)
Client: United Utilities
Stakeholders: Strabag-Equitix JV
Aqueduct length: 110 km
Max tunnel diameter: 2.6m
Water supply: 570m liters/day
Supply outreach: 2.5m persons
Project cost: £2.5bn – £2.9bn
Construction commencement date: Late 2025
Construction timeline: 8 years
Follow-up maintenance period: 25 years
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